Key Takeaways:
- Kieran Tierney and Anthony Ralston have withdrawn from the Scotland squad due to injury ahead of the World Cup qualifiers
- Josh Doig from Sassuolo has been drafted in as cover, while Aaron Hickey returns after nearly two years out
- Scotland will begin their qualifiers on Friday with an away fixture against Denmark in Copenhagen, followed by a clash with Belarus in Hungary three days later
Key Absences and Squad Changes
Scotland’s preparations for their World Cup qualifying campaign have been hit by significant injury setbacks, as manager Steve Clarke is forced to make changes to his defensive line. Both Kieran Tierney and Anthony Ralston have withdrawn from the squad owing to injuries, prompting a late inclusion for Josh Doig, the Sassuolo left-back, into the national team set-up.
Tierney and Ralston, both defenders for Celtic, featured in the weekend’s high-profile 0:0 draw against Rangers. Ralston had already been dealing with issues sustained following the loss to Kairat Almaty in the Champions League playoffs. The 26-year-old has 21 international caps, having last represented Scotland in the 4:0 friendly victory over Liechtenstein in June.
Scotland squad update.
IN: Josh Doig.
OUT: Anthony Ralston and Kieran Tierney.#DENSCO pic.twitter.com/aIEjFl7ej0— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) September 4, 2025
New and Returning Options in Defence
Coach Clarke now faces the task of reshuffling his defensive options. On the right side, Max Johnston remains available, alongside Aaron Hickey, who returns to action for Scotland after almost two years sidelined by a severe hamstring injury. Hickey, aged 23 and currently at Brentford, brings valuable prior international experience back into the fold.
On the opposite flank, Liverpool’s vice-captain Andy Robertson is available, typically operating as a wing-back. Also vying for a place on the left is Josh Doig, recently called up and boasting a single Scotland cap thus far.
| Player | Position | Club | International Caps | Replacement Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kieran Tierney | Defender | Celtic | 21 | Withdrawn (injured) |
| Anthony Ralston | Defender | Celtic | 21 | Withdrawn (injured) |
| Josh Doig | Left-back | Sassuolo | 1 | Called up |
| Max Johnston | Right-back | Derby County | 2 | Available |
| Aaron Hickey | Right-back | Brentford | 14 | Returning (from injury) |
| Andy Robertson | Left-back/Wing-back | Liverpool | 84 | Available |
Management Comments and Fixture Details
Steve Clarke addressed Aaron Hickey’s readiness last week, stating: “He is ready to play. Whether he can last 90 minutes in two consecutive games is another question, but we will manage him carefully.”
Scotland are set to commence their qualifying campaign on Friday, travelling to Copenhagen to face Denmark. The schedule then sees them meet Belarus in Hungary three days later, as Clarke’s side look to overcome these defensive absences at a crucial stage.
